Khao Tung Kuan and Khao Noi
View of Khao Tung Kuan from Wat Tinmeru. |
At the north end of town are two hills. The taller of the two is Khao Tung Kuan while the smaller is Khao Noi (literally, 'little hill'). Atop Khao Tung Kuan is a gilded chedi and a small chalet started on the orders of Rama V but only recently completed. From the top on a clear day, you can see much of the Thale Sap as well as the Cat and Mouse Islands off the coast.
To reach the top of Tung Kuan hill, you used to have to climb a long stairway on the western side of the hill. However, in October of 2003, a new funicular starts service up the east side. The ride will cost 10 Baht. The lower station is at the crest of the saddle between the two hills.
A large troop of monkeys lives on the two hills. In the evening you'll find people feeding the monkeys around the area of the new funicular station.

